7/102 sources · 2 publishersUpdated Nov 4, 20:53 UTC
Lockheed Martin and U.S. Air Force complete flight test of Mk21A ICBM reentry vehicle
Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force carried out an unarmed flight of the Mk21A reentry vehicle on 3 Nov 2026, launching it from Vandenberg Space Force Base over the Pacific. The test, performed under a contract valued at over $1 billion, demonstrated the vehicle’s architecture and next‑generation reentry technologies. Data collected will be used to refine the design and advance the program toward a critical design review.
Why it matters
Lockheed Martin says the flight validates key technologies for the future ICBM system, helping to keep the program on schedule and supporting national security objectives.
Key facts
- 1The flight test was conducted on 3 Nov 2026. news.lockheedmartin.com
- 2The vehicle was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. news.lockheedmartin.com
- 3The test used the unarmed, developmental Mk21A reentry vehicle. news.lockheedmartin.com
- 4The program is being executed under a prime military contract valued at over $1 billion. news.lockheedmartin.com
- 5Jason Watson, vice president of Strategic Reentry Programs for Lockheed Martin, said testing drives maturity and reliability. news.lockheedmartin.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 2 of 2 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.